Many of the tutorials I create for you go through several phases to be perfected before I present them to you. Like many crafters we all have a stash of projects that we are working on. These are some of the upcoming tutorials to watch for!read more...

Who is Vanessa Empire?

Welcome to my humble little place on the internet!

This is a great way for me to stay in touch with all of the people that I meet everyday, and long time friends, that are inspired to sew, design, craft... or whatever it is that people of my tribe like to do.

If we haven't yet met, I am Vanessa Empire, The Tailor’s Daughter. I grew up in the very store that I am now running, along with my mother, Susan Igou ( The Tailor).

My background is in Nautical & Interior Design from the Art Institute, which gave me a great understanding of the principles and elements of design as a scientific formula, which then translates into everything creative. My site features DIY projects that you can follow along with, featuring my wonderful BERNINA. Sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy reading fashion and interior design tutorials, along with a little TLC for the body, and other things that I think all women want to know!

In the future, look forward to interviews and style tips from some of my wonderful friends, that have known me since childhood, from the Custom Tailor's and Designers Association... including Tailor's and Designers to the stars and prominent people in this world.

In today’s world, where everything seems poorly made, synthetic or disposable, I am inspired to focus on simple, pure trends that enhance everyday life, and maintain a timeless quality that you can enjoy for years to come.

Don't forget to sign up for fabric and other fun give-aways and products and tutorial updates!

Enjoy!

Fashionably,Vanessa Empire

For all intents and purposes, you might say Vanessa Empire, founder of the Tailor's Daughter, was born in a sewing store. After all, that's where she spent all of her time, starting her budding design career as an ambitious 3 year old who loved to sew. At the age of 6, young Vanessa expanded her horizons, creating clothing and bedrooms.

She grew up with the Custom Tailors and Designers Association (CTDA) tagging along with her mom, who always encouraged Vanessa's passion for fashion and beautiful aesthetics. Not only did her mom support her creative endeavors throughout her life, but she continues to open new doors for Vanessa and friends, paving the way for them to succeed in the design and tailoring world.

When it came time for college, she examined FIT and other schools, but soon realized that sewing techniques weren't included in the curriculum. Vanessa decided to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design at the Art Institute where her professors allowed her to focus on her grad classes on yacht design, tackling a 12 foot charter yacht as her final project. It was this experience that lead to the realization that design is design, whether it's applied to fashion, architecture, textiles, yachts, private jets or interiors.

Vanessa began consulting and teaching for Studio Bernina in 2008, developing classes such as Sew Essentials, Zippered Wristlet and many more...which are, incidentally, now available as tutorials on The Tailor's Daughter website.